Myths about teaching can hold you back
- Year 5
Layering part-singing: adding a three note melody
I can play a three note melody, partnering this with a different song.
- Year 5
Layering part-singing: adding a three note melody
I can play a three note melody, partnering this with a different song.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Practising well prepares us for singing three-part rounds and three partner songs.
- Instrumental melodies can be layered under songs.
- A sound sense of pulse is essential when combining instrument melodies and singing together.
Keywords
Melody - a combination of notes to make a memorable tune
Texture - the combination of different layers of sounds
Pulse - the regular, steady heartbeat of the music
Common misconception
Layering an instrumental melody with a different song will not create pleasing harmonies.
Partner songs are selected to work together because their notes fit together harmoniously. It doesn't matter if we play or sing the melody, it will work equally well.
To help you plan your year 5 music lesson on: Layering part-singing: adding a three note melody, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 music lesson on: Layering part-singing: adding a three note melody, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 music lessons from the Sing, play, perform: adding tuned accompaniment to part-singing unit, dive into the full primary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Pitched percussion instruments with the notes F, A, C'. For example, glockenspiels or xylophones. Maximum needed - one between two.
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the singing structure to its definition.
multiple groups sing the same melody but start at different times
the same tune sung or played at the same time
two or more songs that fit together sung at the same time
Q2.Match the musical element to its definition.
how high or low a note is
the playing or showing of the steady pulse like the ticking of a clock
the way the music is organised
the regular, steady heartbeat of the music
texture the combination of different layers of sounds
Q3.Which of these is the highest pitch in Chocolaté?
Q4.How would you chant this rhythm?

Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Why is it important to develop a sound sense of pulse?
Q2.When we sing three songs together, that work harmoniously, at the same time, we are singing
Q3.Banaha (Si Si Si) is an example of what kind of song structure?
Q4.How would you sing this melody?
